Every woman suffers from tender painful breasts at some point of time in their lives. Breasts usually become tender around menstruation and this condition is referred to as fibrocystic breasts. Tender breasts are usually observed around menstruation as it is then that new cells are added to the milk ducts and glands, resulting in inflammation and soreness. Estrogen and progesterone are the two main hormones in a female body. An imbalance in hormonal levels, wherein the estrogen levels are much higher than the progesterone levels, could also result in tender breasts. Altering levels of prolactin also results in painful breasts. Benign lumps are another cause for the discomfort. The breast has the capacity to retain fluids and this water retention often causes pain and tenderness. Sometimes, more water is retained in one breast, thus increasing the pain in that one. Besides, the tissues in your left breast could also be more sensitive to hormonal changes thus causing varied tenderness. At menopause, these symptoms tend to get aggravated with the changes that occur in the body. However, consulting a doctor is recommended as there could be a more serious cause for the condition as well.
There are some easy steps that can reduce the discomfort caused by tender breasts. Wearing a good well-fitting bra, that supports the breasts well, helps in minimizing the discomfort caused by tenderness. Under wire bras should be avoided as they sometimes tend to increase the discomfort. A cold compress is believed to provide relief from painful breasts. Placing a few cubes of ice, wrapped in a towel, on the affected area should control the pain and discomfort while reducing the inflammation.
A diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables ensures that the estrogen levels in the blood stream are low thus balancing the estrogen and progesterone levels and reducing the chances of tender, painful breasts. Foods rich in Vitamin B and minerals like magnesium, calcium and phosphorus are believed to be beneficial in treating breast soreness. Salt increases water retention. Reducing your salt intake may help to reduce swelling and tenderness of the breasts linked with fluid retention. Drinking plenty of water also assists in reducing water retention. A few drops of lavender oil added to herbal tea also helps in relieving breast tenderness by minimizing water retention and inflammation. Regular physical exercise in the form of brisk walks, swims, yoga and meditation will help in relaxing the body and reducing various forms of tenderness.
answered by G M